Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Goji berry or wolfberry is the fruit of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense.

Goji berries are a sweet-taste, dark-red coloured dried fruit, and mainly comes from north-western area of China. It has been grown and consumed in China for more than 6,000 years.

It is a common practice in Chinese medicine to prescribe it to treat liver, kidney, or eye diseases, along with other herbs. Chinese people also consume goji berries in their day-to-day lives, because they believe this red coloured berry can keep them healthy, young, and energetic.

These red berries are alleged to boost the immune system and brain activity, protect against heart disease and cancer, and improve life expectancy.

§Sesquiterpenoids – Cyperone (benefits the heart and blood pressure, alleviates menstrual discomfort, and has been used in the treatment of cervical cancer), Solavetivone (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent)

§8 polysaccharides(fortify the immune system) and 6 monosaccharides

§5 unsaturated fatty acids(essential fatty acids), Linoleic acid, Alpha-linolenic acid, Beta-sitosterol (anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement)and other Phytosterols. (Essential fatty acids are required for the body's production of hormones and for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system)

§Complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids(tetraterpenoids, organic pigments) - Beta-carotene (7 mg/100g dried berries), zeaxanthin (protects the retina of the eye not only by absorbing blue light but also as an antioxidant, reduce risk associated with macular degeneration) (2,4-82,4 mg/100g dried berries), Lutein (protects eyes), Physalin (natural compound that is active against all major types of leukemia. It has been shown to increase splenic natural killer cell activity in normal and tumor-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti-cancer effect. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B) , Lycopene, Cryptoxanthin and Xanthophyll

§Many phenolic pigmentsassociated with antioxidant properties

For all of these reasons, it has become a well-known super fruit in the world.

Side Effects that we need to be aware of

Goji berries interact with diabetic, blood thinning and blood pressure medications. Due to its anti-coagulant property, goji berry interferes with medications like warfarin and can cause excessive bleeding.

It can cause hypotension or a drop in blood pressure in those taking blood pressure medications and for diabetic patients, it can reduce blood sugar levels and cause spells of fainting and dizziness.

Hence, anyone who suffers from these conditions must not take goji berries.

Atropine is found in differing quantities in goji berries. An excess of atropine can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, eye discomfort in bright lights, and hallucinations in the elderly.

The high levels of selenium in goji berries could have an adverse effect on fetuses. Selenium causes birth defects, lowers sperm count and increases the chances of production of abnormal sperm. Hence, pregnant women or even those who are planning a pregnancy must avoid goji berries, although in small amounts they will not inflict harm to the child.

Warning: Health
information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for
orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication
with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your
pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of
the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages
incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of
these pages. By
entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions
of the site.

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Warning:

Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the articles are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.